Everything you need to buy your first home, from initial decisions all the way to the closing table! Outsmart the financial trap of homeownership with advice that can save you a fortune during the purchase timeline and into the future.

No matter how much you want to escape the renter's cycle, buying a house isn't always a good investment. Your home can destroy your wealth and freedom or generate the same--and this book will show you how to make a decision that gives you the most financial flexibility possible.

Scott Trench and Mindy Jensen of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast have been buying and selling houses for a collective thirty years. In First-Time Home Buyer, they'll give you a comprehensive overview of the home-buying process so you can consider all of your options and avoid pitfalls while jumping into the big, bad role of homeowner. Buy your first house with your eyes wide open, and outsmart the world's most common financial trap!

In this book, you'll learn:

How much house can you actually afford

When it makes sense to buy a house instead of renting

Everything you should know about the housing market

How to get your financial situation in order while preparing for your big purchase

Steps you can take (and early decisions you can make) to turn your first home into a future cash-flowing investment

Whether fixer-upper houses and home renovation are really worth it

What to look for when buying a house and what to absolutely avoid

How to choose a real estate agent and a lender that have your best interests in mind

All the steps to buy a house--from loan pre-approval, to submitting offers, to home inspections, to the closing process, and everything in between!